“I love San Diego and being a part of this team with my teammates,” Tomlinson said in the statement. “My No. 1 priority was to stay here in San Diego. I truly believe this is the place that gives me the best chance to be successful and win a championship. I want to finish the job we started when I got here eight years ago. My heart has always been in San Diego. I couldn't imagine putting on another uniform.”

The Chargers and Tomlinson's agent, Tom Condon, have been negotiating since late February. The sides had been relatively mum, but Tomlinson had reiterated recently he wanted to stay, and people from both camps had steadfastly expressed optimism and said talks were amiable.

“There was no doubt he wanted to stay,” Spanos said. “And there was no doubt we wanted to have him here.”

Burnett signs

The Chargers on Tuesday signed inside linebacker Kevin Burnett to a two-year, $5.5 million contract. The entire amount is virtually guaranteed.

Burnett, 26, would seemingly have the inside track on winning the starting job alongside Stephen Cooper in the middle of the Chargers defense.

Burnett (6 feet 3, 242 pounds) started four games in four seasons with the Dallas Cowboys.